Correlates of disordered Eating Behaviors among Female collegiate Taekwondo Athletes

Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry 2010;14(4):211-217.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to estimate the prevalence rate of disordered eating among female collegiate Taekwondo athletes in South Korea, and to examine association of the variables related to disordered eating behaviors. A cross-sectional design was used in this study. A total of 49 female collegiate Taekwondo athletes in South Korea participated. Along with the demographic questionnaire, the Korean version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Eating Disorder lnventory-2, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance. and Rosenberg`s Self-Esteem Scale were administered, Approximately 63% (n=31) of the Taekwondo athletes were classified as disordered eating based on the six selection criteria. Results of independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson/Spearman correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that BMI discrepancy and body dissatisfaction were the differences between disordered eating (DE) group and non-disordered eating (NDE) group. In addition, drive for thinness, self-esteem and weight change were the primary predicting factors for disordered eating behaviors, Approximately 60% of the variance was explained by these three variables. The results indicate that female collegiate Taekwondo athletes are at risk of disordered eating and are extremely dissatisfied with body shape and weight. This results suggest that body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness are the essential predictors for disordered eating behaviors. Health education should be recommended for female Taekwondo athletes and their coaches.

Key Words: Disordered eating, female athletes, taekwondo, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness